Wayfinders is a community-based mentorship and outreach program that supports and encourages high school students to graduate and have a better future. The program is offered in Winnipeg’s Seven Oaks School Division (SOSD) to students in low-income communities where dropout rates are higher than average. The program uses tutoring, career exploration, mentorship and community volunteering to help students find their passions and achieve high school graduation. It also provides financial incentives towards post-secondary tuition for each successful year of participation.
ChangeMakers branded Wayfinders in 2011, creating a new name and visual identity. Since then we have created a wide range of communications materials including parent emails, information sheets and outdoor signs to promote the program, with a focus on raising awareness in the community and fundraising. Community awareness has been an important component to the success of the program’s student volunteer opportunities and obtaining corporate support. We also play a role in the program’s fundraising efforts and in 2014 wrote, directed and produced a short informational video that has been instrumental in helping the staff raise much needed support.
